Virginia was my last big trip before the Covid-19 pandemic gridlocked the world, allowing me to stew on the amazing experiences I had while there. The main reason for our visiting revolved around my Grandfathers homecoming at Virginia State University, a HBCU. As my Grandfather put it, “You’ll never see so many brilliant black folk anywhere else in one place.” How correct he was. For me this trip was essentially enveloping myself in a culture I don’t exactly have in my home state of California. The grounds of Montpelier, so strikingly beautiful yet it constantly reminded me of the wretched cruelty that took place among its grounds. Learning of my family’s historical ties to the grounds emotionally impactful to say the least. There were many little towns we also visited, Petersburg, Chase City. Countless towns both up and coming and down trodden. Visiting my Aunt Beverly’s farm also lent itself to being an amazing experience, absolutely the only time in my life the entire plate of food before me had truly been “farm-to-tabled,” Protein and all. I hope to return again, albeit this time for a longer period.